Britain’s opposing camps intensify EU referendum campaigns

After a week of warnings from institutions like the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund about the possible impact of a so-called Brexit, Cameron said Britain could face recession if it withdrew from the EU.

Overview

Cameron, fighting for his political future in the June 23 referendum which polls suggest is neck-and-neck, said Britain could slip into recession if it votes to withdraw from the European bloc.

Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour party, made one of his highest-profile appearances of the campaign at a rally in London.

Though Cameron and Corbyn are arch rivals, both want Britain to remain in the EU and are part of a campaign which has brought together most of the country's biggest political figures.

“If we vote to leave on June 23, we will be voting for higher prices, we will be voting for fewer jobs, we will be voting for lower growth, we will be voting potentially for a recession,” Cameron said in a speech which he delivered standing on a pallet in his constituency west of London.

The prime minister said earlier that infrastructure projects like rail links would be hit by EU withdrawal as Britain would lose billions of pounds it receives from the European Investment Bank.

But Johnson argued Britain could “flourish as never before” if it leaves, in a speech in Bristol, southwest England.

“This is not just the time to unshackle Britannia from her chains – though it certainly is – it’s a time to speak up for freedom across the whole continent,” said Johnson.

“If we vote on June 23 and take back control of our country, our economy and our democracy, then we can prosper and thrive and flourish as never before.”

Corbyn, a veteran socialist deeply critical of the EU throughout his career, has been urged by some in his party to do more for the “Remain” campaign.

He responded with a speech Saturday which distanced Labour from Cameron while arguing that issues like workplace protections and pollution should be addressed from inside the EU.